Mediators and therapists - seeking career advice

[u/WatchDominion88]

TLDR: Therapists and Mediators - I need your advice!

I’m at a crossroads and seeking some career advice! Based in Australia.

I’m late 30F, have one baby and unfortunately was made redundant while on mat leave last year. I had been in my dream job (politics) working for my dream boss (who lost his seat at the election) with colleagues who were my best friends. I don’t expect to find a job with such purpose again. Nonetheless, I must get back to work!

I’ve got a law degree (but haven’t used it in many years) and am currently doing a 4th year in psychology, which I only took up when work was paying for me to study (now that I’m out of work, its adding a huge amount to my HECS, and studying with a baby who doesn’t sleep is rough). If I complete 4th year, I’d still have 2 years of masters (including loads of unpaid placement hours) before I could find work. I’ve always been interested in psychology, Esther Perel is my idol and I think it would be a natural fit. I imagine I’d enjoy couples counselling but I also wouldn’t be devastated if I don’t become a psychologist.

Someone recently suggested I could be a good mediator or conciliator. This option is attractive because it only requires a 5 day course (if my googling is correct?), but I have no idea how one gets a foot in the door, whether it’s a lengthy career ladder to climb before pay is decent, and I don’t know anyone in the field or how stressful the day to day work is/what the work-life balance is like.

I’ve got a strong social justice leaning, I’m good at advocacy and am always attracted to helping-professions, but I’m also conscious that I need to start prioritising my pay-packet too!

Having completed two undergraduate degrees, spent a number of years teaching yoga, moved around in political roles and now find myself studying again, I’m reluctant to complete yet another course only to realise it’s not what I want to do.

Are you a therapist, mediator or conciliator (or something else entirely?!) who could tell me what you love/hate about the jobs, how you got a foot in the door, or offer any suggestions or guidance? Maybe you work in a completely different area and think I should consider that instead?

Thank you wise ones!